Journal Published Online: 11 September 2013
Volume 36, Issue 6

Water Migration Impacts on Thermal Resistivity Testing Procedures

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

This study investigated water redistribution during measurement of the thermal dry-out curve (i.e., soil thermal resistivity ρT versus volumetric water content θ). Although there is not a standard method for measuring the ρTθ relationship, curves are typically generated with incremental ρT measurements as a specimen is dried. However, drying within a specimen may not be uniform, even in a controlled, low-temperature drying environment. In this study, ρT and θ were measured at the top, middle, and bottom of remolded cylindrical soil specimens of a range of soil types after staged drying in a low-temperature oven. Water distribution was highly varied; for example, tests on silty sand revealed θ values up to nine times greater at the bottom than at the top of the specimen, and spatial variations in θ erroneously affect measured values of ρT. Numerical models validated water migration within soil specimens during staged drying. The results indicate a need for modification of the standard thermal resistivity testing procedure to account for variations in water content across a specimen and along the sensor length during drying.

Author Information

Woodward, Nikki
Kleinfelder, Redmond, WA, US
Tinjum, James
Engineering Professional Development, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US
Wu, Ray
Geological Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, US
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20120151
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20120151